Skin Thickness - What are the practical differences?

[Diceman]

Hi Brothers,

I have tried many skins in my quest for the best balanced sound on my set, and usually end up making adjustments for each drum in the way I play.
I have been offered some new mule skins and was asked what thickness I want.
As I understand it, the thinner the skin, the more overtones and more cut, but at the expense of warmth and tone purity. Am I correct in this?
Should I consider different thicknesses for each drum ie thin for quinto, thick for tumba or same for each.
Anyone have any thoughts on thickness vs tone, thickness vs diameter or any other ideas to consider.

thanks
Diceman

[Raymond]

Lots of things come into place here, however, the sound you feel comfortable with is the most important. Generally, people prefer a good pitch conga/quinto and a warmth bassy tone in the tumbadora. However, that is not the case always.

I have big hands and I tend to have problems with the sound of thin heads in the lower tone drum (tumbadora or hembra in bongo), therefore, I look for a thicker head there. (Also, I like that low pitch drum to have a bassy tone).

Is a trial and error and learning by experience...my recommendation is getting medium thick. The way I determine that is by sight (if I could see through is too thin for me). This is by experience...once you learn based on what you observe from the head, you will like to pick them yourself.

Here in the forum there are losts of threads in which we discuss this issue and give our opinions. Check them out!

I hope it helps! Tell us your experience once you get what you want. Saludos!

[windhorse]

For my ears, and the feel on the hands,, generally the thicker the better. I like that table top "thock" sound as opposed to the high ringy sound of thinner heads. However, that changes given the situation. A good sound eq on stage can change a cardboard box sound into a really nice conga tone. Raymond is right, it's personal taste. Experience will tell you..

[Diceman]

I was just trying to avoid a stack of used skins in the corner, as they can be expensive here in on the other side of the Pond. I also like warm round tones, so I know where to go there.

Thanks for sharing guys.

Diceman